The Elder (Navajo Portrait)
Limited Edition Print on heavy paper • Frank Howell (American, 1937–1997)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Native American Art / Western Realism
Medium & Technique
Lithography with extensive blind embossing (debossing) and possible hand-coloring or pencil signature
Creation Period
Circa 1970-1985
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A dignified portrait of an elderly Native American man wrapped in a large white blanket. The blanket is notably rendered through deep three-dimensional embossing without ink, creating a subtle geometric texture. He wears a red headband and a turquoise necklace, emphasizing Indigenous cultural identity and spiritual wisdom.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good - The print appears well-preserved under glazing with no visible foxing or fading, though there is a minor red reflection/mark on the lower-right center of the figure that may be a reflection or surface mark.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a Western art gallery or primary market in the Southwest United States between 1975 and 1995.
Art Historical Significance
Frank Howell was a pivotal figure in the 20th-century 'Native American Renaissance.' His work bridged the gap between traditional portraiture and contemporary abstraction. This piece is significant for its technical mastery of embossing to represent the 'unseen' or spiritual layers of his subjects.
Notable Features
Features a prominent graphite signature in the lower left. The most striking feature is the 'blind' embossing of the blanket, which creates a sculptural quality that changes depending on the angle of light.
Condition Issues
Slight undulation of paper typical of heavy embossed stock; possible minor surface dust under glass. Potential red blemish noted mid-composition requires physical inspection to distinguish from a reflection.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a UV-protective glazed frame; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the turquoise and red pigments. Ensure acid-free matting to prevent paper burn.